HVAC 360 - Episode 046 - Air Pressure Switches

This week on HVAC 360 I talk about Air Pressure Switches. I thought that that was a great title but in searching for what I really meant I found Differential Static Airflow Switches.  This is a better title but I will go with the flow. These are simple control safety cut-outs on the air-side of HVAC system to signal High and Low Static Pressure limits and are sometimes used as dirty filter switches. Ultimately, if it does it's job right, it will cut the power to air-handling units prior to the unit damaging itself or the attached ductwork.  I hope you get something out of the episode and if you do please share it with someone else that you know.

For more information you can check out the following pdf's:

Powers - Differential Static Airflow Switches

Greystone - Differential Static Airflow Switches

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HVAC 360 - Episode 045 - OPR and CFR

The week we talk about the OPR or Owner's Project Requirements and the CFR, the Current Facility Requirements.  Ultimately they are two side to the same coin, what a owner needs and wants from their facility.  It is a buildings playbook, how it is intended to be used and operated.  Most people would associate the OPR with being something that is found and required by LEED under the commissioning section.  Although this is true, I feel that this document is more than that.  An OPR is a documented plan on how to meet and exceed an owner's expectations.  Is this not the goal for most service organizations anyway?  Why would you not make this a standard practice on every project regardless of size?  It just makes too much sense to me.  Let me know what you think or if I missed the boat on something.  If you like what you hear pass it on.

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HVAC 360 - Episode 044 - BIM and Beyond

This week I talk about Building Information Modeling or BIM.  What once seemed liked a far fetched idea of drawing a virtual building is now reality and becoming more and more the standard of care for our industry.  There are still some big hurdles to cross when it comes to coordination but that may be a gold mine that can put those last few items together.  BIM is no longer for only the largest buildings and the most progressive owners, it has now trickled down to the everyday projects for those that have crossed the learning curve.  In this episode I talk about the different "dimensions" on BIM and how the industry is now envisioning the use of this tool, past the 3D virtual model component.  Take a listen, let me know if there is something that I missed or if it was worth it pass the episode on to a friend. 

Here are some of the links for more BIM information:

NIBS Whole Building Design Guide on BIM

Building Smart Alliance

Journal of Building Information Modeling

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HVAC 360 - Episode 043 - Freezestats

Call them freezestats or low-temperature cut-outs or vapor-filled capillary tubes this week I am talking about the control devices that keep our water coils from freezing.  These little devices seem to cause a lot of issues so I thought that I would do a complete podcast episode regarding them.  I already have a blog post "A coils best friend" but some people, me included, perfer the audio format for our information.  So what are we going to cover in this episode?  We will talk about the pieces parts of the device, how it is SUPPOSED to be installed, and how the little thing operates.  I welcome any feedback on this one but I base this episdoe on quite a bit a experience and observations.  

If you don't want to trust me please take a look at the following sites/files:

Industrial Controls capillary tube information site

Powers Low-Temp Cut Out PDF file

IntecContols Low-Temp Cut Out PDF file

Johnson Control A11 Low-Temp Cut out PDF file

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HVAC 360 - Episode 042 - Gas Monitoring

This week I talk gas monitoring with Scott Bissett of Armstrong Monitoring Corporation.  Gas monitoring is a key ingredient in the safety of occupants and staff when we are talk about a number of applications.  This week we focus primarily on vehicle exhaust and mechanical room exhaust specifically when you are dealing with carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, and various refigerants.  I must admit this was a rather lengthy interview but the content is very actionable and will give you a great start in any gas monitoring layout design that you face.  Even if you are not an engineer there gems of information in there that you make you the hero on your project.

Here are the links to their website and their resource center:

Armstrong Monitoring

Armstrong Monitoring Resource Center

As always don't be afraid to contact your local representatives to get specific information about your application, where they are reps for Armstrong or others.

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HVAC 360 - Episode 041 - Air-Handling Unit Commissioning

In this episode I talk about the steps that I take when looking at a Air-Handling Unit during the commissioning process.  I have focused this discussion on indoor units and walk-through a unit section by section.  If your process differs or there is something else that you think I missed let me know.  Use the comment section below or send me an email.  Also if you think this was valuable information share a link with a co-worker or friend.

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HVAC 360 - Episode 040 - EnOcean Technology

This week I talk with Bob Eckery from EnOcean Inc. to discuss the exciting new technology behind so many energy efficient devices.  From light switches to diffusers and valves to occupany sensors this wireless technology is changing the game when it comes to way you can do with traditional devices.  Take a listen and if you like what you hear please pass the episode along to a friend. 

As for some of the links you can find information about the alliance at http://www.enocean-alliance.org and a products site at http://www.enoceanparts.com .

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HVAC 360 - Episode 039 - Advantix Systems

This week on HVAC 360 we talk to Mooki Talby of Advantix Systems, makers of the DuCool systems.  This is really neat technology with a big upside when applied properly.  This system is an innovative liquid desiccant air conditioning system with a high energy efficiency rating.  

Check out their website at Advantix Systems.

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HVAC 360 - Episode 038 - Mechanical Insulation

Mechanical insulation is the topic this week when we talk to our guest Ron King, Consultant and Past President of the National Insulation Association.  Insulation goes beyond "the pink stuff" and for ductwork, piping, and equipment it is probably the biggest unsung hero of the green sustainablility movement.  Remember the saying, "The cheapest BTU is the one that you never have to make."  If you find this interesting pass it on to your friends. 

For the links mentioned in the episode:

WBDG - Mechanical Insulation Design Guide

Insulation.org - National Insulation Association homepage

Mechanical Insulation Assessment and Design Tools (Calculators) 

Mechanical Insulation Education & Awareness E-Learning Series

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HVAC 360 - Episode 037 - Net-Zero Energy Buildings

On HVAC 360 this week we field a listener request and talk with Paul Torcellini, Principal Engineer with NREL, the National Renewable Energy Laboratories regarding Net-Zero Energy Buildings.  This show has a ton of information that I encourage everyone to share.  As Paul said, the more that we can share Net-Zero engineering innovations with each other, the quicker the adoption becomes and the less we will feel like we are sticking our necks out over unproven techniques. 

As promised in the episode here are the following links:

NREL Homepage

Energy.gov's Building Database link

Energy.gov's Commercial Buildings Initiative link

To ask questions of NREL fill out the link on this page

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